Eating Disorder Recovery 101
As a dietitian, I feel so lucky to be able to support people in recovering from their eating disorders. My experience with clients has given me insight on what works (and what doesn’t!) about ED recovery.
Here are some things I have found to be essentials of healing.
- Community and connection.
Eating disorders thrive in secrecy and isolation. It can be challenging to put yourself out there – but connecting with others is so, so important.
Where can you reach out for support and connection?
Are you open to joining a support group? Or maybe texting a friend you haven’t talked to in a while?
- Reducing shame.
It is incredibly hard to heal when you’re also dealing with the weight of shame. Shame changes the way our brain functions and it prevents us from accessing our inner wisdom and healing.
The way forward is through self-compassion – you can’t hate yourself into a version you love.
- Collaborative providers.
Having providers you connect with is so important for recovery! If you don’t feel supported by and trust your providers, it’s going to be very challenging to get vulnerable and honest so that they can guide you in healing.
I believe that healing is a collaboration between you and your support team.
They shouldn’t just be telling you what to do – changes and goals should be explored and agreed upon each other so that they fit into your life.
- Self Trust
This is a tough one – but self trust can be built brick by brick. This may be something to explore with your therapist or dietitian. Working towards being properly nourished is a key component in building self trust.
Recovery is possible. Take a deep breath and one step at a time. I believe in you.
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